Jeff Gordon in 2nd Start Position for 2013 Daytona 500

Veteran driver Jeff Gordon won the second guaranteed spot in this year's Daytona 500.  Gordon starts behind Danica Patrick, who's made headlines as the first female driver to win pole position at the Daytona 500.

Gordon has three Daytona 500 wins behind him and has a real shot at winning a fourth this year.

To learn more about Jeff Gordon's history with the Daytona 500 and with competitive racing in general, check out Jeff Gordon: Racing's Brightest Star by Marty Gitlin.  Written especially for reluctant readers, Gitlin's 128 pg. book details Jeff Gordon's racing career, from his start as one of the youngest successful racers, through his later career as a recognized racing champion.

Jeff Gordon: Racing's Brightest Star, included in Enslow's "Heroes of Racing" series, is available directly from Enslow Publishers in a library-bound edition for $23.95. That price represents a 25% school/library discount from Enslow's list price.The book is also available from major vendors, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble.

History-Making NASCAR Driver Danica Patrick Subject of Enslow Biography

Danica Patrick made her automotive racing name competing in high-profile events such as the Indianapolis 500. Over the past three years, she has gradually moved her racing to the NASCAR stock car circuit. This past week, Patrick enjoyed an historic breakthrough, when she won pole position at the Daytona 500 race. She is the first woman to achieve this victory.

"I was brought up to be the fastest driver, not the fastest girl," Patrick said after the event. To learn more about Patrick's competitive character and exciting auto racing experiences, read Enslow Publishers' biography of the driver. Author J. Chris Roselius' 128-page work explores Patrick's compelling life and times on and off the racing circuit. This high-interest book, an excellent choice for reluctant readers, includes full-color photos, reader-friendly pullouts, and excellent chapter notes for further reading.

Danica Patrick: Racing to History, included in Enslow's "Heroes of Racing" series, is available directly from Enslow Publishers in a library-bound edition for $23.95. That price represents a 25% school/library discount from Enslow's list price.The book is also available from major vendors, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble.

50th Anniversary of When the Children Marched

This year marks the 50th anniversary of when more than a thousand African-American students skipped their classes to march to downtown Birmingham, Alabama to speak out against segregation.

On a hot Thursday morning in May young people went to school as usual, but at noon many left their classes and headed for the door. R.C. Johnson, the principal of Parker High School, locked the front gates. This did not stop the students. They scaled fences and headed to town. Eight hundred students throughout the city missed school that day.

The Sixteenth Street Baptist Church filled with young people ranging from the ages of six to eighteen. At around one o'clock the first group of kids burst out of the church.They sang songs and carried signs as they headed for city hall to demonstrate.

When the Children Marched: The Birmingham Civil Rights Movement by Robert H. Mayer explores the civil rights leaders who organized the movement and the brave children and teens at the heart of the fight.

ISBN: 978-0-7660-2930-9

The Kindle version is now available as well as the hardcover book.

Happy Ferris Wheel Day!

Library Binding ISBN: 978-0-7660-2845-6
Grades 5–6

Library Binding ISBN: 978-0-7660-3964-3
Paperback ISBN: 978-1-4644-0132-9
Grades 1–2

Chicago was chosen to have the 1893 World's Fair. The fair's planners wanted to impress the crowds that were sure to attend. Just four years earlier, the 984-foot Eiffel Tower had been built for the Paris World's Fair. The tower was like an iron bridge to the sky. American civil engineers competed in a nationwide contest for an idea to outdo the French Eiffel Tower.

The boldest ideas were for taller towers. Then one engineer had a different idea. George Ferris drew plans for a 250-foot wheel that could carry over two thousand people high into the sky.Some people think George Ferris got his idea for the Ferris Wheel by watching a water wheel, like this one, near his home.

Mr. Ferris gave the World's Fair directors his drawings for his giant wheel. But the directors decided against a wheel for the fair. They were sure it could not survive Lake Michigan's strong winds.

In November 1892, the World's Fair directors still had nothing to beat the Eiffel Tower. They finally agreed to let George build his wheel but with his own money. George found some wealthy investors who said the 250-foot wheel should be called the Ferris Wheel.

When the fair finally opened on May 1, 1893, George's wheel was not finished. But on June 10, the crew began hanging the thirty-six carriages. Finally, at three o'clock on June 21, 1893, George's Ferris wheel opened for business. A ride on the Ferris Wheel cost fifty cents, which was also how much it cost to get into the fair.

Because George dared to dream big and follow his dream, today millions of people all over the world have a great time riding Ferris wheels.

Today, the London Eye in London, England is one of the world's most famous Ferris wheels. About ten thousand people ride it each day. Currently, the world's largest observation wheel is the Singapore Flyer.

But world's largest Ferris wheel may be coming to New York City's Staten Island waterfront with construction to possibly begin in early 2014.  The proposed wheel would stand at approximately 625 feet.

It's Mardi Gras!

Library ISBN 978-0-7660-3724-3
Paper ISBN 978-1-59845-334-8

Mardi Gras (French for "Fat Tuesday") is being celebrated in New Orleans today, as well as in other cities around the world. It is also the day before Ash Wednesday, which is the beginning of Lent. Since Lent is a forty-day period of fasting and penitence observed by many Christian churches, Mardi Gras is seen as the day to have parties, parades, and feasts of food.

Want to make some crafts for Mardi Gras? Randel McGee has written a great book for elementary students, with instructions and patterns for making seven different crafts (2 different masks, 2 different necklaces, a rhythm maker, a cap, and a crown,) as well as a Mardi Gras mask card.

Enslow's Grammy Winners + Adele

Last night's 55th Grammy Awards event included a number of performers who are the subjects of Enslow Publisher biographies. Getting plenty of camera time were popular singer Taylor Swift, movie and music superstar Justin Timberlake, and vocally versatile Rihanna. A number of performers also cited Kanye West as an influence on their careers. Added to the glittering mix was relative newcomer Adele, whose repertoire includes the theme song to the newest James Bond movie, Skyfall.

Enslow offers 48-page biographies for these select five artists. Most are included in our "Hot Celebrity Biographies" series. This fall, Adele! will be among the biographies in Enslow's new "Sizzling Celebrities!" series.

With young readers' interest stimulated by the Grammys, you can fulfill their requests to read about their favorite performers with Enslow's fun, factually reliable celebrity biographies. You can order library-bound versions of these books today for $17.95 per title; that price represents a 25% discount from Enslow's list price for each title. Paperback versions of each title may be purchased for $7.95. (Adele! will not be available for sale in any version until later this year.)

Also, librarians and media specialists can purchase directly from Enslow Publishers multi-user versions of the e-book for the Taylor Swift biography (written by award-winning author Jeff Burlingame) and Rihanna biography. The price for this item is $22.95 per multi-user e-book; that price represents a 25% discount from Enslow's list price for these books and is limited to school/library institutional purchases.

Justin Bieber on SNL

So while Justin Bieber may not have received a Grammy nomination you will still be able to watch him this weekend as he hosts an all-new Saturday Night Live AND performs as musicial guest. A first for Justin. Unbeliebable!

Congratulations to our January raffle winner!

Enslow would like to congratulate the library of Dora Erickson Elementary School in Idaho for winning our $100 in free books!!!

Who didn't receive a Grammy nomination?

The 55th Grammy Awards air this Sunday with Bruno Mars, Rhianna and Sting, and Kelly Clarkson headlining the event.Check out the current list of award nominees.

Taylor Swift is up for three nominations this year. She has 12 prior nominations and six Grammy wins. 

Who didn't receive a Grammy nomination? Well, lots of talented artists but most were surprised that 
Justin Bieber wasn't on the list for his album "Believer."

This fall we'll be adding more singing sensations to our list of our celebrity biographies including Latina star Demi Lovato, Adele, and hip-hop artist Drake. Which other musicians you would like to see added to our list of celebrity biographies? 

Stephenie Meyer -- The Writer Becomes a Hollywood Player

Stephenie Meyer has come a long way since creating Twilight many years ago. Her successful writing career has enabled Meyer to get into the movie game. In association with Moxie Pictures, the Arizona-based author recently produced Austenland. The picture stars Keri Russell. Her character gets caught up with a BBC production of Pride and Prejudice to the point that she visits a Jane Austen theme park in search of a "perfect" gentleman, along the lines of Mr. Darcy. Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions picked up the film after it screened at this year's Sundance Film Festival.

In some ways, Meyer's life contains elements of a Hollywood screenplay. Young readers who enjoy a good story will enjoy reading Enslow Publishers' unauthorized biography of the popular writer. Author Lisa Rondinelli Albert's 104-page work explores Meyer's ascent from professional obscurity to her discovery by a New York editor. Aspiring young writers will appreciate Meyer's observations on her craft. Engaging, full-color photographs, chapter notes, and a useful timeline round out this essential companion to a library's or media center's Stephenie Meyer collection.

A library-bound edition of Stephenie Meyer is available directly from Enslow Publishers for $23.95; that price represents a 25% school/library discount. The book, included in Enslow's "Authors Teens Love" series, is also available from your preferred vendor, Barnes and Noble, and Amazon.

Happy Birthday Rosa Parks

Happy Birthday to this Civil Rights Activist who would have turned 100 years old today.

Having grown up in rural Alabama, she lived with racial segregation on a daily basis. Most people associate Rosa Parks with her defiance on a city bus, which was the beginning of the civil rights movement.

Today, the United States Post Office unveiled its newest stamp in its civil rights series of stamps. A very fitting honor for Rosa Parks.

Want to Know Why We Love Our Libraries?

February is the month of LOVE!

That's why February is also "Love Your Library Month"

 which is an opportunity to celebrate libraries and what they mean to our communities. So, we decided to compose a top ten list of reasons why our employees love their libraries. Starting with #10...

10. You can surf the internet for free.

9. You can get kind, friendly assistance        when researching a topic.

8. Story hours that are magic hours for both parents and children.

7. It's a place where you can go when you've lost your electricity and heat due to a hurricane.

6. They offer free concerts and wonderful art exhibits.

5. You can take great classes and lectures on interesting topics.

4. Their large selection of movies and music.
3. It's quiet.

2. It's a great place to introduce children to reading and learning to share.

And the #1 reason why everyone said they love their libraries...for the FREE BOOKS!

Happy Golden Birthday Justin Timberlake

A successful musician and actor, Justin Timberlake turns 31 on the 31st which makes it his "Golden Birthday" this year. 

Justin at a Glance:

Full name: Justin Randall Timberlake

Birthday: January 31, 1981

Nickname: JT

Height: 6 feet 2 inches

Favorite color: Blue

Favorite food: Breakfast cereal

Enjoys: Golfing, skiing, and snowboarding

Favorite sport: Basketball

Collects: Sports jerseys and sneakers

Fears: Snakes, sharks, and spiders

For more fun facts about Justin Timberlake and his successful career, check our Justin Timberlake: Breakout Music Superstar  from our Hot Celebrity Biographies series available in both library binding and in paperback from Enslow, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or your preferred vendor.

Watch for more celebrity biographies coming this fall. The list is sizzling with stars like Adele, Demi Lovato, Drake, Emma Stone, Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, and Logan Lerman!

Oprah at 59

Oprah Winfrey is celebrating her 59th birthday today. The media star, cable network owner, and philanthropist's journey provides a fascinating story for young readers to consider. Enslow Publishers' new Spring 2013 title, Oprah Winfrey: Biography of a Billionaire Talk-Show Host, delves into the details of her life and career. Author Robin Westen's ATOS 8.1, 104-page book provides useful insights into Winfrey's activities and opinions during her eventful climb from obscurity to global fame.

The book, part of the "African-American Icons" series, is available directly from Enslow Publishers in library-bound edition for $19.95; that price represents a 25% school/library customer discount from Enslow's list price. The book is also available from your preferred vendor, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble.

Anniversary of Challenger disaster

Library ISBN 978-0-7660-4073-1

On this day in 1986, the space shuttle Challenger exploded 72 seconds after it took off from Florida's Cape Canaveral. A history teacher, Christa McAuliffe, was the first passenger/observer of the Teacher in Space Program.

In Space Shuttle Disaster, author Henry M. Holden describes what happened that day, which was the worst tragedy in the history of the space program. Author Holden explains the background of the launch, including issues with ice because Florida had recently been experiencing very cold temperatures. There were three different types of astronauts on the shuttle: the flight crew, mission specialists, and payload specialists. Job descriptions for each astronaut type is explained.

After the tragedy, President Ronald Reagan created a special commission to determine how this accident happened, and how to prevent something like this from happening again in the future. The commission came up with recommendations, however those recommendations had to be backed up with physical proof.

This book (and the entire series) would be of interest to the student fascinated with space flight, as well as discovering and exploring space.

International Holocaust Remembrance Day

January 27 is designated as International Holocaust Remembrance Day. It is the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau. According to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, this year's theme is "Rescue during the Holocaust: The Courage to Care."

Through the powerful words of Holocaust victims—the survivors and the murdered—bystanders, and perpetrators, the books in our The Holocaust Through Primary Sources series highlight a variety of individual experiences describing major events of the Holocaust. Gripping primary source accounts give the text a strong emotional element and keep the reader interested. Filled with color photos of primary source artifacts and black-and-white period photos, each book contains stories from men, women, and children.

 As the Warsaw ghetto in Poland went up in flames in April 1943, Jewish fighters fought bravely for twenty-seven days against Nazi soldiers. With deportation to a death camp all but certain, young Jews in the ghetto decided not to go quietly. Although the Nazis defeated the Jewish resistance group, the spirit of the uprising lived on. For Jews living in Europe during the Holocaust, survival was often the only form of resistance. But Jews in ghettos, concentration camps, and partisan groups across Europe did fight back. Told through the words of teen resisters, author Ann Byers details the stories of courageous young people who fought back against Nazi Germany in our second Holocaust series, True Stories of Teens in the Holocaust.You can read a free chapter clicking here.

Interview with a Zombie (Author)

Author Nadia Higgins

Nadia Higgins is the author of a new four-book series, Zombie Zappers, that will be published this fall under our new trade imprint, Speeding Star. Thanks to authors like Nadia, beginning in the fall of 2013, Speeding Star will be providing easy-to-read books on topics of high interest in an effort to keep boys and young men reading.

Now on with the interview!

How is the Zombie Zappers series different from other books you’ve written?

Well, put it this way. The last fiction series I did was a set of six fractured fairy tales ... the covers were light purple with fancy cursive writing. I also write 10-15 nonfiction school library books a year.

What kinds of research did you have to do in order to write a series about zombies?

I read every zombie book for kids I could find. I scoured the Internet and eavesdropped on zombie chat groups. The most fun was watching zombie movies with my husband every weekend. I think I was the first person ever to take notes while watching Night of the Living Dead. I didn't want to forget ideas that popped into my head while I was watching. So I'd scribble notes like, "Zombies as pets? ... Animal zombies? .... Strategy: pretend to be a zombie to escape zombies."

What types of things did you make sure you included in the Zombie Zapper series? What types of things did you try to avoid?

I have two kids of my own and we read together every night. So, in other words, I have read every kind of children's book out there with my own personal test audience. The books that we enjoy the most have a few things in common. One of them is that the protagonists are whip smart and wildly imaginative. They make mistakes, sure, but they almost always solve their problems on their own. That's what I was going for as I developed the main characters.

As far as what to avoid--two things: stereotypes and that snarky tone you see out there a lot in dialogue for this age group.

  Why do you think kids are so fascinated by zombies?

What an interesting question. The gross-out factor is big, for sure. But I also think zombie combat is more interesting than other kinds of monster battles. It requires more strategy and wit. Then there are so many awesome questions to ponder: how to reverse a zombie back to a human, how to tame a zombie, how to survive a zombie apocalypse . . . Zombies are a fun-scary way to think about life-and-death questions.

One of the main characters, Roger, is Leo’s secret half-zombie friend living in his bedroom closet. What challenges does being friends with a half-zombie have?

Ha! Well, for one, you have to make sure that none of your friend's body parts accidentally fall off in public. Neighbors tend to get freaked out by stuff like that.


Zombie hunting is what bring these characters together but what is the real central theme readers will find in each of these books?

In addition to the zombie action, each book explores a theme about relationships. In Next-Door Zombie, for example, Leo blogs some lies about his next-door neighbor. His thoughtless remarks have serious consequences, and he needs to find a way to make things right.

What does it feel like when your best friend gets another good friend? What about when a friend takes credit for your work? How does it feel to be left out? These are some of the basic issues that the set explores.

Do you suspect that there are any zombies living in your neighborhood?

Yes--my kids when I try to wake them up in the morning!

What advice would you give kids if they ever meet a zombie on the street?

Whatever you don't, don't scream! That draws the hordes. Remember that you are a lot faster and smarter than zombies. You'll have to use your wits to outsmart them. Also, adults are rarely helpful during a zombie outbreak. It's up to you, kid!




Nadia Higgins is the author of more than sixty books for children. In addition to Zombie Zappers, her fiction includes Fiona and Frieda's Fairy-tale Adventures and a series of comical picture books, Barnacle Barb and Her Pirate Crew. She lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota, with her husband, two daughters, and their "guard" fish, Marie.

Please note: Members of the media who wish to review Zombie Zappers may request advanced reader copies by sending an email to: customerservice@enslow.com.

Science + Fun = Enslow's Graphic-Style Series About Body System Diseases

We want to introduce you to Annie Biotica. This fictitious character is an investigator in Enslow Publishers' new Spring 2013 series "Body System Disease Investigations." Ms. Biotica tracks down the causes, impacts, and possible treatments for various infectious diseases. In addition to the Annie Biotica character device, each 48-page book uses a logical structure, solid facts, and graphic-style illustrations to create a fun, highly informative work. The series's writer, Michelle Faulk, Ph.D., skillfully integrates the real-world use of the scientific method into each title's narrative. In Faulk's The Case of the Flesh-Eating Bacteria, the author five unique medical cases, along with scenarios which the reader must solve.

The Case of the Flesh-Eating Bacteria, as well as other titles in this five-book series, is available in a library-bound edition for $17.95. That price represents a 25% school/library discount. The series is also available from your preferred vendor.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

Library ISBN: 978-0-7660-4099-1

As part of its Famous African Americans series, Enslow has recently published an elementary biography about Martin Luther King, Jr.

Even though Martin Luther King's actual birthday is January 15, his life and accomplishments are celebrated on the third Monday of January.

Library ISBN: 978-0-7660-3043-5

In another Enslow title, Martin Luther King, Jr., Day, elementary readers will learn more about this man. President Reagan signed a law in 1983 making Martin Luther King, Jr., Day a national holiday. Coretta Scott (Martin's widow) formed the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change in Atlanta, Georgia. This center teaches visitors about nonviolence, and are able to read Dr. King's papers to see for themselves how he lived his life.

Edgar Allan Poe Birthday January 19th

Edgar Allen Poe was born January 19, 1809, in Boston, Massachusetts. U.S. American short-story writer, poet, critic, and editor Edgar Allan Poe's tales of mystery and horror made him known as the inventor of the detective story and the master of the macabre. 

In Dark Graphic Tales by Edgar Allan Poe from our Dark Graphic Novels series, playright and theater director Denise Despeyroux and illustrator Miquel Serratosa take you on a dark, mysterious journey through three of Poe's short stories: 

Embark on a treasure hunt in "The Gold Bug"

 Visit an insane asylum in "The System of Doctor Tarr and Professor Fether"

Face psychological terror in "The Fall of the House of Usher"

ISBN: 978-0-7660-4086-1

This middle-school-level graphic novel features vivid illustrations and simplified language while keeping the dark, eerie tones of the original works. All of the titles in this series includes safe 'PG' text and illustrations.

This book is available from Enslow, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or your preferred vendor.

Happy Birthday Michelle Obama!

Michelle Obama is celebrating her 49th birthday today. She was born in Chicago, Illinois. Did you know that she is the great-granddaughter of a slave? Michelle Obama made history when she became the first African-American first lady of the United States. She is a hardworking wife, mother, Harvard graduate, and community volunteer who brings grace and style to a new era in the White House. We wish her a happy birthday!

To read more about this amazing woman check out our book, Celebrating First Lady Michelle Obama from our Obama Family Photo Album series. 

From her childhood in Chicago to her days in the White House, this photo-biography celebrates the events in Michelle Obama’s life during her journey into history. Kids will also enjoy some fun photos of Michelle riding a bike with her daughter and doing the hula hoop!